Chania & Reth: Balos with Guide and Transfer

If you’re dreaming of clear blue waters, dramatic cliffs, and a pristine beach, a day trip to Balos Bay might be just what you need. This tour offers a guided cruise from either Chania or Rethymno, including hotel transfers, with a chance to relax, swim, and take in some of Crete’s most unforgettable scenery.

For about 8 to 10 hours, you’ll be sailing past secluded beaches, towering cliffs, and the islet of Agria Gramvousa, culminating at the world-famous Balos Lagoon. It’s a trip packed with stunning vistas and opportunities for a leisurely day by the sea.

What we love about this experience is the way the boat cruise combines comfort and adventure—a self-service bar for snacks and drinks along the way, and the chance to rent sun umbrellas for extra comfort under the Mediterranean sun. Plus, the expert guide helps you navigate the highlights and keeps the atmosphere lively and informative.

A possible drawback is the price—some travelers, like Emilie, have expressed frustration over additional costs not included in the ticket price, such as paying for meals on board. Also, the rating suggests mixed experiences, with some feeling that the overall value could be better, especially considering the inclusion of food and the clarity of the itinerary.

This tour suits travelers who are looking for a relaxed day of sightseeing and swimming in some of Crete’s most iconic spots. It’s ideal if you want a guided experience that takes care of transportation and logistics, allowing you to focus on soaking up the scenery and enjoying the water.

Key Points

• Scenic Coastal Views: Sail past cliffs, beaches, and islets, enjoying the dramatic scenery Crete offers from the water.
• Unspoiled Natural Beauty: The highlight is Balos Beach and Lagoon, with their soft sands and emerald waters—perfect for relaxing or swimming.
• Convenient Transfers: Includes hotel or meeting point pickup from Rethymno and Chania, making logistics easier for travelers.
• Guided Experience: An expert guide ensures you don’t miss the key sights and enhances your understanding of the area’s natural features.
• Onboard Facilities: A self-service bar for snacks and drinks, with the option to rent umbrellas, helps make your day more comfortable.
• Possible Extra Costs: Be prepared for additional charges, such as paying for meals or snacks with credit cards on board.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off with a pick-up service from your hotel or a designated meeting point in Rethymno or Chania. The convenience of door-to-door transfer means no fuss about finding your way to the port. The coach takes you to Kissamos, where the boat awaits. The entire process is designed to make your day smooth, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

Once at the port, you board a comfortable boat that’s well-equipped for a day at sea. While the vessel isn’t described as a luxury yacht, it’s enough to provide a stable, enjoyable ride with plenty of space for you and your fellow travelers.

The Journey and Views

As the boat leaves the harbor, the soft background music sets a relaxing tone. The views of Crete’s rugged coast, with its towering cliffs, hidden beaches, and sea caves, are spectacular. We loved the way the boat glided past Valenti islet, Pontikonisi, and Gramvousa Island—each spot offering its own unique charm.

The sailing experience itself offers a rare chance to admire Crete from a different perspective. The boat cruise is an opportunity to sit back and enjoy nature’s artwork—the blue waters contrasting with the white foam of the waves and the green patches of the coastline.

Food, Drinks, and Comfort

On board, a self-service restaurant-bar provides snacks, drinks, and meals available for purchase via credit card. We appreciated that, but some travelers have expressed frustration, like Emilie, who pointed out that meals weren’t included in the ticket price and had to be paid for separately.

Umbrellas are available for rent, which can be a relief when the sun is high overhead. This small detail can significantly improve your comfort, especially if you’re planning to spend hours lounging or swimming.

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The Highlights of the Cruise

The boat’s route takes you between Agria Gramvousa islet and Cape Vouxa, revealing spectacular views of smaller islands like Valenti and Pontikonisi. This part of the trip is perfect for photography, as the scenery is lush and dramatic.

When you reach Balos Beach, you’ll find yourself in one of the most breathtaking spots in the world. The golden sands stretch endlessly, and the shimmering, emerald waters beckon for a swim. Remember, swimming is permitted only in designated areas along the shoreline, not in the lagoon itself, which is part of the NATURA 2000 protected zone.

Time at Balos

With about 2.5 hours to explore, swim, and relax, you’ll have ample time to lie on the sand, dip into the water, or just revel in the surroundings. The scenery is truly spectacular—the cliffs towering over the bay create a sense of grandeur. The ecosystem here is fragile, so visitors are asked to respect the environment by avoiding littering and collecting natural elements.

The Experience from Reviews

While many praise the stunning scenery, some reviewers like Emilie voiced disappointment about additional costs, mainly regarding paying for meals onboard. She noted, “We had to pay for the meal on board when it was supposed to be included in our tickets at 73/person,” highlighting that the value might not meet expectations if you’re expecting an all-inclusive experience.

Others mention the length of the trip and the quality of the facilities. The rating of 2.3 out of 5 is a reflection of mixed experiences, mainly due to value for money and clarity about what’s included.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is best suited for travelers who value guided excursions and enjoy scenic boat rides. It’s a good fit if you prefer to leave the logistics to someone else and are happy to pay extra for onboard snacks and umbrellas. Those seeking a relaxing day by the water, with plenty of time to swim and snap photos, will likely find it rewarding.

However, if you’re price-conscious or looking for an all-inclusive experience, you might want to compare this tour with others that include meals or have higher ratings for value.

The Sum Up

A day trip to Balos with a guided boat tour from Crete offers a blend of scenic beauty, comfort, and convenience. The views along the coast are stunning enough to justify the experience, and the opportunity to relax on Balos Beach with its soft sands and emerald waters is unforgettable. However, be aware of the extra costs—meals and amenities are not included in the base price—and manage expectations accordingly.

This tour is best for those who prioritize the scenery and a hassle-free day out over luxury or all-inclusive packages. If you’re happy to pay a bit extra for comfort and guided commentary, and you don’t mind the mixed reviews, this experience can deliver a memorable taste of Crete’s natural splendor.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour provides transfer service from your hotel or designated meeting points in Rethymno or Chania, making it easy to join the cruise without worrying about logistics.

How long does the trip last?
The tour typically lasts 8 to 10 hours, depending on availability and conditions. Check your specific starting time when booking.

What should I bring?
Pack comfortable shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and sports shoes if you plan to explore more on land.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included in the ticket price. Onboard, you can purchase snacks and beverages via credit card, but you’ll need to pay separately.

Can I swim at Balos?
Yes, swimming is permitted in designated shoreline areas, but not in the lagoon itself to help preserve the environment.

Is the tour accessible to wheelchairs?
The tour is described as wheelchair accessible, but it’s good to confirm with the provider beforehand to ensure your specific needs are met.

What are the main sights on this tour?
Expect views of Valenti islet, Pontikonisi, Gramvousa Island, and the highlight—Balos Lagoon with its spectacular scenery.

What do travelers say about this tour?
Opinions vary; some praise the stunning views and relaxing atmosphere, while others point out additional costs and value concerns. It’s advisable to read recent reviews and weigh what’s most important to you.

In short, if Crete’s natural beauty is what you’re after and you’re okay with some extra expenses, this tour can deliver an enjoyable, picture-worthy day. Just keep your expectations aligned with the reviews, and you’ll likely come away with memories of some of Greece’s most breathtaking scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here: